Waaree Energies Expands: 3 GW Inverter Plant & 5.25 GW Cell Capacity

Waaree Strengthens Position in India's Solar Sector

Waaree Energies Ltd., India's largest solar module manufacturer, has announced several significant expansions to its manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing its role as a key player in the country's renewable energy transition. The company has commissioned a new 3.05 GW solar inverter manufacturing facility and received crucial government approval for a 5.25 GW solar cell plant, both located in Gujarat. These developments, coupled with an increase in its module production capacity, position Waaree as a fully integrated renewable energy company prepared to meet growing domestic and international demand.

New 3.05 GW Solar Inverter Facility Commissioned

Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Waaree Power Pvt. Ltd., the company has commissioned a state-of-the-art solar inverter manufacturing facility in Sarodhi, Valsad district, Gujarat. The plant, which commenced commercial operations on December 29, 2025, has an annual production capacity of 3.05 GW. This capacity is distributed across two manufacturing lines, each capable of producing 1.525 GW of inverters annually. The new facility is located within Waaree Power's existing factory premises, allowing for streamlined operations and integration. This strategic expansion aims to strengthen Waaree's domestic manufacturing footprint and cater to the rising demand for critical solar power infrastructure components in India, reducing reliance on imports.

Major Boost with 5.25 GW ALMM-Approved Cell Facility

In a landmark development for India's domestic supply chain, Waaree Energies has received approval for its new solar cell manufacturing facility in Degam, Chikhli, Gujarat. The plant has been included in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II. This enlistment is a critical requirement for projects seeking government subsidies or participating in government tenders. The facility, backed by an investment of 17 billion INR, will have a planned annual capacity of 5.25 GW. This addition significantly enhances the nation's cell production capabilities, which have historically been a bottleneck in the solar manufacturing process. The total enlisted capacity under ALMM List-II now stands at 23.7 GW.

Focus on Advanced Cell Technologies

The new Chikhli facility will focus on producing high-efficiency solar cells, demonstrating a strategic shift towards advanced technologies. The approved capacity includes 3,923 MW of N-type TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) cells and 1,328 MW of P-type PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) bifacial cells. By scaling up the manufacturing of these next-generation technologies, Waaree aims to provide developers and EPC companies with reliable access to high-performance, domestically produced cells. This move is expected to reduce import dependence and provide greater supply chain certainty for solar projects across India.

Understanding the ALMM Framework Implementation

The inclusion in ALMM List-II is a significant milestone, but its implementation comes with specific timelines. The MNRE has clarified that the list for solar cells will become effective from June 1, 2026. Projects with bid submission deadlines on or before August 31, 2025, are exempt from the requirement of using cells from ALMM List-II, even if their commissioning date is after the effective date. This provides a transition period for ongoing projects. Similarly, net-metering and open-access projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, are also exempt, ensuring a smooth rollout of the new mandate.

Waaree's Manufacturing Capacities at a Glance

Expansion of Solar Module Production

Alongside its advancements in cell and inverter manufacturing, Waaree has also expanded its solar module production capacity. The company's total global module manufacturing capacity now stands at approximately 22.3 GW, with 19.7 GW in India and 2.6 GW in the United States. This follows the recent commissioning of a new 1.5 GW production line at its Samakhiali facility in Kutch, Gujarat. This expansion brings the total annual output of the Samakhiali plant to 3 GW, making it one of Waaree's most technologically advanced hubs. Sunil Rathi, Executive Director of Waaree Energies, stated, “The expansion of our Samakhiali facility to 3 GW marks another milestone in Waaree’s purposeful capacity build-out. This positions us to serve strategic markets more effectively.”

Market Impact and Strategic Vision

These coordinated expansions across the solar value chain underscore Waaree's commitment to India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative. By increasing domestic production of cells, modules, and inverters, the company is helping to build a resilient and self-sufficient solar manufacturing ecosystem. This vertical integration provides greater control over quality and supply, offering a competitive advantage in both domestic and international markets. The company's strong presence in the ALMM lists for both modules and cells further solidifies its position as a preferred supplier for large-scale solar projects in India.

Conclusion: A Fully Integrated Energy Player

Waaree Energies' recent achievements—commissioning a 3.05 GW inverter plant, securing ALMM approval for a 5.25 GW cell facility, and expanding its module capacity to 22.3 GW—cement its status as a leader in India's renewable energy sector. These strategic investments not only enhance the company's production capabilities but also contribute significantly to India's energy security and net-zero ambitions. As the ALMM framework for cells takes effect in mid-2026, Waaree is well-positioned to leverage its integrated manufacturing prowess to drive the next phase of solar growth in the country.